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At a conference “Sustainable Energy Future: Challenges and Opportunities. Experience of the UK” on 28 February in Vilnius, the Political Director of the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dalius Čekuolis stressed the need to take measures to enhance energy security and called on the Lithuanian authorities and business to take advantage of the UK’s advanced experience.

At the opening of the conference, Čekuolis said: “The energy security in Lithuania can be strengthened considerably only through increasing local competitive energy industry, creating an alternative energy supply chain, developing renewable energy supply and promoting energy efficiency.”

The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the British Embassy organised the conference “Sustainable Energy Future: Challenges and Opportunities. Experience of the UK” in Vilnius.

Lithuania has a great potential to promote energy efficiency for space heating in the residential sector. Currently, primary energy use per person in Lithuania is 2.5 times higher than the EU average, while the heating costs were among the highest in Europe. Increasing energy efficiency can significantly reduce home heating costs.

The United Kingdom is one of the most advanced countries in Europe. The UK has accumulated experience on how local authorities co-operate with business in promoting energy efficiency and sustainable energy projects. According to the British Ambassador David Hunt, last year the UK spent over £18bn on imported fossil fuels.  “For example, increasing our energy efficiency and moving to a more diverse energy system can both cut carbon emissions and reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels. Taking this action is not free, but the costs are relatively small and they pale into insignificance compared to the costs of doing nothing.  This is why the UK Government is committed to a low carbon, sustainable energy future.’’

At the Conference in Vilnius, representatives of the UK public and business institutions shared their experience with more than 80 Lithuanian energy experts, representatives of business, local administration, academic community and public institutions.